The role of nitric oxide (NO)• in the development of the metastatic properties of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not fully understood. Previous studies proposed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) would act as regulator of matrix metalloprotease activation in NPC. Recently, we showed that (NO)• was a critical mediator of tumor growth in patients. The aim of this study was to determine the implication of IL-6 in the progression of NPC pathology via MMPs activation and their possible correlation with (NO)• production. We observed a significant increase in IL-6 and nitrites (NO2−) synthesis in patients (n=17) as well as a strong expression of IL-6 and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) in the analyzed tumors (n=8). In patients’ plasma, a negative correlation associated IL-6 with circulating nitrites (r=−0.33). A negative correlation associated the H-scores of these signals in the tumors (r=−0.47). In patients’ plasma, nitrites synthesis was positively associated with MMP-9 activation (r=0.45), pro-MMP-2 expression (r=0.37) and negatively correlated with MMP-2 activation (r=−0.51). High nitrite levels was associated with better recurrence free survival RFS (p=0.02). Overall our results suggest that the IL-6/NOS2 inflammatory signals are involved in the regulation of MMP-9 and MMP-2 dependent metastatic activity, and that high circulating nitrite levels in NPC patients may constitute a prognostic predictor for survival.

Histopathology 6, 631-645 Solitary plasnmcytoma of the intestineThe clinical, histological, immunological and ultrastructural features of two cases of solitary plasmacytoma of the gastrointestinal tract are described and related to the findings of other authors. The immunoperoxidase technique was found useful for the detection of intracellular immunoglobulin. Electron microscopy was performed on both tumours and the results are of considerable interest as few ultrastructural studies of human solitary plasmacytomas have been performed.

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Identification of tumour biomarkers provides information on prognosis and guides the implementation of appropriate treatment in patients with many different types of cancer. In nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeted treatment plans based on biomarker identification are already being utilised in the clinic. However, such predictive molecular testing is not currently a universally employed practice. This is particularly the case in developing countries where lung cancer is increasingly prevalent. In September 2012 and November 2013, a committee of 16 lung cancer experts from Africa and the Middle East met to discuss key issues related to diagnosis and biomarker testing in NSCLC and the implementation of personalised medicine in the region. The committee identified current challenges for effective diagnosis and predictive analysis in Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, strategies to encourage the implementation of biomarker testing were discussed.Ultimately, a practical approach for the effective diagnosis and predictive molecular testing of NSCLC in these regions was derived. Key issues and recommendations arising from the meetings are presented here.Abstract word count: 167 (journal limit: 250)